More friends

Well it seems the routine is settled; we have gorgeous weather then a visitor arrives and it turns bad; today has been windy and actually a bit cold - I even wore a fleece for some of today; unheard of. I was strictly in shorts though and that would not be changed. Not in July!

The first thing to say is that last night the Special Guest and I were chatting and I shushed her as I heard a gurgle and it was a good one; the water was running into the boiler. I might have jumped around a bit and been VERY excited as we have running water again! I immediately did the washing up and cleared away the piles of dirty jars that had been piling up. Excellent!

The sun is about to show itself

We slept in the bedroom last night and the storm which had blown through during the evening didn't quite return but there was some pretty high winds on and off in night which caused cooling breezes to come in through the balcony window and out the internal window. I'm so pleased that I got the opener on that. I woke up before the alarm and was out on the balcony taking pictures before the sun had even risen. I am never going to get bored of this view.

I really need to remove those stickers

As my Special Guest was here today to do the feeding task I didn't have to go and do that and snoozed quite a nice long time. The sun rose and splashed colour onto the walls and then it was almost possible to see the shape moved as more and more of the sun protruded above the ridgeline. Because the door doesn't yet have a bottom panel with glass in it you can't see as much when laying in bed as I wanted, but the view was gorgeous with a few clouds visible.

I headed off to collect the men but went really early as Thomas was pretty much out of fuel so I went down to the petrol station and filled him up. Again. I was (as per) really early so I cruised very slowly towards the men's village and still had time to stop round the corner and doze for five minutes before driving on to the collection point. When I got back I set to with something which had occurred to me on the drive; I would paint the "betoncontact" glue onto the floor in the bedroom to keep the dust down. This has been applied in Room 13 (by my dad) and worked really well. I got the men to help me lift the bed and mattress out of the way and then set to.

While I was going Lubo arrived for our chat and so my Special Guest took over with the brush. I went up and showed him the change for the roof terrace, and he was OK with that just pointing out a few things that would be needed including insulation, a 10 cm drop across the 6m width, and that the tiles would have to be special snow safe ones. I also went through the plans for a water tank upstairs which he and Bekir chatted about and they agreed that 250L would be big enough. Anyway, it's all good and I have been told I'll have the full approval by July 30th. Awesome.

This is a shocking pink now!

My Special Guest had cracked on really well with the floor sealant but I took back over after Lubo had left and she went and made "egg in a cup" for breakfast which I really do like quite a lot. I went to have it after I finished painting the whole floor. We now have a pink bedroom floor. Oh well, it isn't for ever.

Tomato and chili

So a quick update on progress on my tomato and pepper (or rather, chili) plants. I have one tomato almost entirely red and another on its way and the chili plant has lots of fruit on it too. I'll be able to eat at least one tomato off there this weekend I reckon.

It was dry in less than an hour

With the water coming back on last night (and the suspicion that it would go back off in the night preventing my putting the washing machine on over night) we set the machine to wash the backlog of clothes first thing. After 3.5 hours it was finally finished (it's very quiet, but still takes a fair amount of time) and so we went out to hang them all out. The wind was so high that each item of clothing required three pegs instead of two to stop it blowing into Turkey. You will see, in the background, Ralf in the enclosure. This is because he kept snapping at Rambo and was really nasty to him and refused to stop so he got put away. He was really not happy.

Spiky Orchid

After this I took a turn around the top field to snap pictures of the orchids that are growing there. There are two types; the first I photographed is on the bank right near the washing line and has lots of spikes on its stem. This made it quite difficult to photograph as the wind was thrashing the flower around but I held it carefully and snapped the pictures quickly.

Another orchid, and its resident

The second orchid is right up the top, among a load of brush plants and scrub trees. There are a number of these, several on my land and an even greater number just the other side of the fence. These are stunning as well with the more recognised shape of an orchid. I once again had to hold the stem to stop it waving around so much but as I did so I noticed a movement and saw a spider was making its way across its web and down towards my fingers. It was such a pretty spider that I took a picture of that as well for you.

Smouldering away

My Special Guest had set a fire going while I was out collecting the men and it was still smouldering away while I did this round so I took a quite stroll over to get a picture. Aren't I so generous to you.

Ralf going back to the enclosure

Lucy has been in the garage pretty much all this week getting her gaskets changed and today I decided to pop down to the garage shop and find out what was going on. Whatever happened it wouldn't be a wasted trip as I could go to the food shop and get some of the lovely fresh bread and some more eggs. As we were leaving my Special Guest snapped a photograph of me carrying Ralf to the enclosure. I do NOT spoil this dog in the slightest! Honest! The news about Lucy was not good as they had swapped out all the gaskets, changed all the fluids and she was still bubbling a bit. They have asked for a few more days to look at her so I swapped numbers (so my friend doesn't need to be bothered any more) and will wait to see what happens. Fingers crossed she gets better.

Beautiful view down a valley

We headed back home and found that it was pretty much time for lunch. We made lovely sandwiches from the fresh bread that had just been bought and then headed on over to S and S to see their place (finally!) and spend a chunk of the afternoon over there. We were both really tired heading out and my Special Friend had a little doze in the car but the welcome was warm and the guided tour was impressive and then we sat down to chai made from their "tea tree" which was just lovely. It was an excellent visit and a pleasure to meet the family they had visiting too. I think S's sister reads this so "hi!". Anyway, we left after a while to let them get on with the work they were doing, and so I could get back to give the men a lift home. On the way back we stopped at one of the beautiful sight seeing spots to snap a few pictures. The road up to theirs really is stunning and I'm looking forward to driving it again.

Ducklings getting out of the way of Thomas

As we pulled into the village and past the Little Lady's house two little ducklings started running ahead of the car and they wouldn't get out of the road to let us pass. My Special Guest got out with the camera and chased them out the way and then snapped some pictures. To jump ahead, when I came back from dropping the men I was introduced to one of these little creatures by the granddaughter who brought it over to the car window. More on this moment later.

The supporting wall is now very strong

The men had made great progress, and at least someone had appreciated the cooler weather as they had been able to work without sweating too badly. They had been putting concrete on the walls (up to where the roof will end) to reinforce it all and create a solid and stable base for the roof beams to sit on. This now has the weekend to cure and then on Monday they'll be back, possibly with one more helper, to put the beams in. I think they said that this would be finished by Monday, but I'm not totally sure. I suppose I'll find out huh.

Clouds scurrying across the sky

I also snapped a picture of the clouds that were still populating the sky up until not long ago (I look out now and see a perfectly clear sky - fingers crossed tomorrow is a gorgeous day for our plans); this will be the view from the sun terrace and the BBQ pit and summer kitchen. Wow.

Dated so I know when to use them

So I took the men home (after they helped me lift the bed back into the bedroom, and I carried on of the wardrobes up as well) and on the way back I was greeted first by the Other Brother who asked me how I was and who my guest was and some other stuff I didn't understand, then I was told to wait and the Little Lady rooted around and found three chicken eggs and a duck egg for me. Brilliant. What I didn't realise was that they (and when I say "they" I mean the Little Lady, the granddaughter, the kmet's son and two other girls I've not met before but seen around) were angling to come over to see Ralf.

So I got in, went upstairs, appreciated the carbonara that was being made (it looked amazing, and tasted even better) and before we ate I was alerted to the presence of the gang enumerated above stood at the side gate and wanting to come in. Rambo was put away and we were treated to a few minutes of crowd in Room 13 admiring everything, asking questions I didn't know what they were, and then just as they left spotting that changes had happened for the bedroom so they all trooped in and stood in the bedroom admiring everything. They are so lovely and welcoming that there is only amusement here, not frustration; it is brilliant how they have welcomed me and have an interest in what I am doing. I think part of the excuse was also to come see my Special Guest.

Look closely to see the progress

I had forgotten when I took the men to snap a picture of the current state of the building so I went up (with Ralf) after eating and took this. It is probably not easy to see the difference but they have tidied all the walls and put a hole through where the end of the roof is now going to be.

Sun beams shining from behind the cloud

As I finish typing this my Special Guest is up on the roof terrace taking pictures of the sun going down. She came down with this one, and then turned round and did what I always do "ooooh it is probably even better now" and so she's back up there again. I'm going to go join her and see what she comes up with.

Ralf likes a cuddle

He is looking for the hare. I think.

Before I go to the pictures of the sunset (and there were LOADS more taken) here is me and Ralf, and Ralf on his own, on the roof where the terrace will be. It is lovely up there but there is still quite a chill breeze blowing in. It proves once again just how awesome it will be as a summer kitchen when the weather is finally warm again.

Star bright

And here is the winner of the competition between the other twenty shots of the sun going down. She's just as bad as me, you see.

Anyway, tomorrow will be a good day whatever the weather as we have good weather and bad weather plans. Night.

EDIT

Reflections of sun in the cloud

Yes you guessed it, while I was uploading the pictures "ooh it's really red" and another photograph appeared. Wonderful.

The guest has arrived

Today is a short blog and I was tempted to not do it at all but I have a few pictures to share so here goes.

He had found a place to be comfortable

First of all, Ralf from last night. When it is time for bed normally he comes running up the stairs when he hears me moving around, and certainly when I call however last night there was no sign of him. I knew the door was shut so I didn't worry and just went downstairs and sure enough there he was on his new bed. I'd used the sawdust bag he had been sleeping on to sort the humanure out so he had found a new place to sleep; the hanging chairs and was so comfortable that he was still sleeping when I got downstairs. I carried him out and he barely stirred and neither of the boys barked at all as I left them.

Can't get bored of this

I slept well and didn't need to have any of the water I had filled up the day before but that is a good thing. I also was not disturbed at all by the buzzy fly so success - I must finally have got it, or it got out. Anyway, the alarm went off and I was up straight away as I may have had to make a phone call to ensure my guest had gotten up however a quick check of the phone told me I could re-snooze. This didn't work out as I became desperate for the toilet as soon as I lay back down. No matter, I got up and was greeted by the pre-sun dawn sky. Stunning.

They come when I call. Sometimes.

Feeding time was pretty standard, though they were actually both really well behaved today, with slight (very slightly) less barking on the walk back to their house and both of them ate slightly more calmly. I held Ralf again while Rambo finished his bowl and he was pretty OK with that too. After this I went to do the watering and there was a lovely moment when they were both nose to nose and sniffing each other and doing it without any rancour - obviously my camera was not to hand. Later they were exploring together and I called them and they came dashing back towards me. Bless. There was one moment when Rambo got his kong and Ralf wasn't happy about that at all and snapped. He still has it in him.

Re-tidied the entrance

After this I filled all the bottles of water from the free supply while it was running and then I had a few minutes and checked that my guest was having an OK journey and she had just left her home. I left very soon after and collected the men as usual. We got back and I decided to tidy up the entrance a bit for my guest. I pulled the scythe out, sharpened it and cleared away the growth and the thistles. I then carried on and cleared in front of the boys enclosure.

I then went and had a solar shower and the water was already almost too hot to put on myself but I felt so much better having scrubbed and cleaned and was all ready for leaving. I was doing some paid work this morning and I shipped this over just before leaving for the airport. I went past Kaufland to get some nardenitsa for our packed lunch and then I was on the road and across the mountain and at the airport about an hour early. I was feeling a bit tired but I also needed the toilet so I went in and then got a cappuccino and sat and read my book. I finished The Diary of Anne Frank which was super sad and poignant but I did enjoy it. Not long after it was time for her to arrive so I stood up, paid the parking ticket, and waited. I missed her coming through though and she poked my side as she had gotten outside, gone to Thomas, and come all the way back in again. Whoops.

We went straight from the airport to the garden centre next door where a little birdy had told me I could get some winter hardy olive trees. How awesome, as this is one thing I really do want to try and grow and cure myself. I bought four trees for me and two for my friend and they were loaded by three helpful men then we wandered around again, being tempted by many other plants but buying nothing because I am strong. Honest.

Compared to last trip the weather across was great and we stopped at the place we had brunched on her leaving trip to the airport and had nardenitsa, sirene and fresh white bread washed down with orangeade. Lovely. We didn't stop long but made it back to the big town and went to look at tiles for the bedroom, and then back to Kaufland to purchase a few bits and pieces including two lavender plants as they were on sale. Excellent. They will get planted tomorrow.

A window being fitted

When we got back we found that Bekir and Sally had moved the bed into the bedroom and near enough finished everything; I even have a new window ledge. Brilliant! Bekir had rung the window people for me and been told that they couldn't do the windows because of problems with the materials and they were just about to put some plastic up over the internal gap to keep the place secure of flies. I went to talk to my Special Guest to see what she thought about this (having the plastic up would also make the room super hot) and when I went outside to where she was playing with Rambo and Ralf I saw the window men driving up and smiling and waving. They had come anyway! They set to and very quickly had installed the window and then left. So quickly, indeed, that they knocked some of Sally's carefully smoothed plaster off. Not good, but inevitable I suppose. Bekir and Sally did their usual excellent job by tidying and cleaning up after them, then we maneuvered the bed to the position I wanted it and we were done.

Imagine a flash of lightning a millisecond before this picture

It was then time for me to take the men and I left my Special Guest putting chicken on, and bonding with Ralf. As I returned I could see some pretty awesome looking thunder clouds developing which were over the mountains behind my place. I got back to gorgeous sunshine and took the opportunity to show her the roof terrace and the views from up there. I then set to and started on the blog while my Special Guest went and got bedding to start making the bed. She shouted that the storm was looking amazing so I went to the balcony and she wasn't wrong; it was scooting along the ridge behind my and flashing and banging away like crazy but it looked like it would miss us quite easily.

I was wrong. About two minutes after this picture was taken there was gale force winds and so much heavy rain the patio flooded. It blew in so fast it was incredible and my Special Guest had to abandon making the bed as, with so many windows blown out and the wind and rain blowing in through them, it was impossible to work in there. I shot a quick video through the windows of Room 13 as the tea trees were being blown over; at times it was worse than this. It didn't take long to pass however and now we have a dead calm. It almost looked like a tornado was happening across the valley and maybe it was. Astoundingly fast winds that blew up so quickly. We were in the bedroom and actually heard a "crack" from the attic so hopefully that isn't something too bad to worry about. There are puddles on the flat roof area and a veritable river flowed down the stairs onto the landing; I really need the whole roof finishing and fast.

Looking sharp in his new collar

Ralf has had some presents (well, so has Rambo) but the one I am most pleased with is his new collar which is purple and much lighter and better for him. My Special Guest has also brought an extending lead for him so we can take them for walks together. That'll be fun.

Anyway, dinner was lovely; roast chicken thighs with salad, and I ate it all including scrap bits that my Special Guest wanted to give to Ralf. Hah, it's my dinner not his! Anyway, I'm going to sign this off now and go and enjoy my evening.

Water troubles

Another super quick blog today because I am majorly busy getting ready for the Special Guest who returns tomorrow. Woo. I have been struggling to do a lot of things due to the fact that there is still no running water and even the free water has been on and off all day. I got Lubo to ring the water company (ViK) and his text to me said there is a "big problem" and it may be off for another "3 or 4 days". Not good. Anyway, onwards with the pictures and the words.

So the morning was pretty standard, greeted by a couple of barks and a howl and then up to find that, unlike yesterday when there was a small water pressure first thing, today there was nothing. I took the bottle of water (as there was not even any pressure in the free water first thing; there also hadn't been when I woke thirsty in the night really wanting a drink) and filled their drinking bowl when I collected them and then it was fully dry food (the meat was going off so I think I'll just stop getting it; they didn't seem to mind anyway) and as I promised yesterday I managed to get a video of some of the speed eating competition. They were actually pretty calm this morning but when Ralf finished you get to hear him burp and grumble as he had eaten too fast.

A moment of peace

After this it was time to do the rounds but first of all I checked and the water pressure was back on so the hose was deployed (at barely a dribble) around as many of the plants as I could reach, and then a huge amount of time was spent filling the watering cans. While I was hovering around the standpipe doing this the boys went down to where the men have their lunch and sniffed around looking for food, I presume. It was nice to see them running together coexisting without any snapping or snarling from Ralf, and growling from Rambo. Bless them.

Can you spot Ralf

Finally the watering cans were full and we started off on the usual route however this time both of the boys ran off towards the far fence line, round the back of their house, and then up along the fence, sniffing and looking intent. I called them but neither responded however I was pretty sure there was no hare in this time so left them to it and did the Magnolias and Zinnias then down to the Silver Birches. As I went towards them Rambo joined me but the last I saw of Ralf was him continuing to sniff up and down along the path the hare had last been seen. I watered round, finishing off at the entrance, then went in and changed into better shoes for running in, before going back up to the top, unsure what I would find. Fortunately Ralf was still there, going up and down up and down so I managed to distract him and he came to me after a few minutes of calling. I picked him up and stroked him, definitely not telling him off, but I was quite relieved. My concern was if he found the way the hare had got into the land he may have gone tearing after it.

Pretty flower on the common

One other thing while I was up there was a flower I have been appreciating recently when walking past it. There are loads of these all over the land and they really are very pretty.

So then it was time for me to leave but I forgot my wallet this time (with driving license, registration card and other important documents in it) so I went back for it. I still arrived at their village with so much time I could stop on their cheren put and take a picture of the Greek mountains before carrying on. While I was stopped a car came up the road so I went to get in and move but it went almost into the ditch, beeping all the way. Not sure what was such a hurry that 30 seconds of waiting for me to drive out the way wasn't possible. For such a laid back place some people are really impatient and it seems mainly when they are driving.

My (non smelly) humanure collection point

When I got back I was unsure what I wanted for breakfast but decided on a cheese and bacon spanish omelette, to use up some of the boiled potatoes that I had from the other day, and just to get something in me. I really enjoyed it so I'm glad I decided to go for it. A task which has been being put off for ages now is taking all the stuff that needs to go on the humanure. This includes the vat of oil spoiled by Ralf, two buckets of food cuttings, the gone off onions, and two full humanure buckets. I was going to wait for the water to come on but a text from Lubo telling me it may be 4 more days put that idea out of my mind. I put everything into the collection point and covered it all with hay. The boys were in their compound all this time as I had no interest in letting them near it.

Slowly slowly fills the can

I had been able to fill the watering can from the free water to clean out the buckets so after I put everything away and let the boys out I went back to refill both the watering cans. The pressure was pretty good and then it dropped and dropped and soon it was a trickle but I did get the metal can pretty full even if the plastic one had to be stopped because the Little Lady and Usmivka came over with chai.

Radioactive coloured chai

This was actually rather nice, if very sweet as they load it with sugar. It was a very bright colour as you can see and we sat for a bit drinking it, though Sally was off to keep on with the plastering as soon as he finished his cup and Bekir went soon after. The grandson had come with as well and the Little Lady fed him spoonfuls of the chai while he sat on her lap.

Shiva and Jesus

After this had finished he asked to see the tortoises and they were both out and about so it was a good time to observe them. They are living together very happily, sleeping right next to each other and both are eating and drinking so I have a good feeling about them. I do need to decide where I am going to put their outside run though and get it built sooner rather than later.

Getting on with the plastering

As I said the men were straight in the bedroom carrying on the excellent work that they have been doing and when I went in once to check Bekir was plastering around the edge of the balcony door and windows (he had covered the entire thing with plastic sheeting to keep the plaster off the glass - clever) and Sally was up the scaffold doing the ceiling. I brought them regular coffees and, towards the end of the day, a small glass of beer each having offered them one every day I was glad they accepted it.

Stretched out Sassy

I had fed and watered Sassy this morning and she had been super friendly again, hopping around my feet. When I poked my head in she was stretched out in her favourite place and she didn't move when I snapped some pictures. I then decided that the water situation was too bad so I would walk up to the centre of the village and fill from the tap there; no joy - it was dry. I got in Thomas and drove down the hill to Rambo's favourite watering place but there was no water there either. I made my way into town and stopped at another but that also didn't have any running water. Eventually I went to Lidl and bought 6 x 11L bottles of water, and 6 bottles of beer as I was running out, and I got back to find that the free water was on again.

A very scared bird huddled on the wall

No matter, I now have loads of bottles to keep full and 88L of water should be enough. The task  had set myself today was to tidy and clean for my visitor, then sort through the wood in the kitchen and store it properly. I did the hoovering and swept out on the landing, then went down to look at the wood. On the way I looked into one of the little side rooms and saw a bird clinging to the wall and looking terrified; I must have scared it. It was gone the next time I walked past.

Ground nesting swallows. Hmmmm...

In the corner of the garage I had spotted, a couple of days ago, three little baby swallows on the floor. I don't know if they had fallen out of their nest but they seem healthy enough and whenever I am in there the parent is flying around my head shouting at me loudly. Ralf is in there all the time though so I don't know how safe they are going to remain though he hasn't bothered them yet.

Yet more cleaning

There was a load of rubbish still in the corner I wanted to use to pile the wood so I got a wheelbarrow and dumped it all in another room (with the drainage dug out you can't wheel a barrow out the back door, and as I said the other day the corridor is too narrow for a barrow to go down).

It all needs to be cut to size

I then went to the big pile of rubbish wood I had dumped in the kitchen and sorted it out, throwing the big pieces through the hatch into the garage (proving the point of that hatch, but in reverse) and putting smaller, petchka sized, pieces to one side for later. It took about an hour or so but I ended up with a pretty good sized pile of wood in both rooms.

After this I went and had a shower outside. First of all I checked the water was on for the hose and it was quite high pressure so I went and changed into swimming shorts, came back, and there was nothing coming out. Typical. I had put the watering can on the table tennis table earlier for this eventuality though and the water was quite warm so I started washing with that then noticed that the hose was working again so finished off with that. It felt so good to be clean. I later shaved my head and then went down and used the hose again to rinse myself and I am now feeling much better because of this.

The ceiling is patched

I boiled the kettle, did the washing up, managed to clean the cooker and wash the roasting tray which was a win I didn't expect, and then sat and worked for the afternoon, determined to avoid any sweaty jobs after getting clean. The men were hard at work and I offered them the aforementioned beer which they gratefully accepted and drank while continuing. The roof was all done by this point, with all the loose plaster pulled down and Sally having replaced it all.

And around the internal window

They have also done the inside surround of the internal window, and started on the outside of this too; this should get finished early tomorrow probably even before I head to the airport. It looks to me like, other than getting a window fitted (and there has been no sign of them turning up yet) the room will be ready. Excellent. I may pop in tomorrow and plead that they do the bedroom window. We shall see. Bekir has also pulled out the badly done expanding foam around the balcony window and door and is nearly completed filling the gaps with bits of brick; I was just saying that this is one of the most brilliant things about them - everything they do is properly and there is no corner cutting.

So it was time to take the men and this went off without a hitch as always except I came over really tired and as I type this I am blinking to stay awake. I don't know why I'm so exhausted but hey, I'll have an early night I suppose and wake OK tomorrow. I have been baking some potatoes for ages now and I really hope they are ready soon as I am hungry as well. Enough whinging, tomorrow is an awesome day. I'll see you then.

EDIT

Oh, just another sunset

Got an edit before I posted as I spotted that the sunset was amazing this evening so went out onto the balcony to snap it. Ralf did his usual and came and joined me out there which was nice and I stood for about 10 minutes watching as it changed. I love that sight and it is also clear now that the sun will come in through the corridor windows and into the bedroom as well. Excellent.

Yet more busy

Well what a busy day. I've got some cracking pics so I'm gonna pop them up, write about each one, and try and entertain you maybe a little bit. The sun is going down as I type this and I've just poured my second pint as I haven't drunk much today at all as the water has been off most of the day. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. Onwards.

Lovely morning sky

I slept really well last night though once again I was disturbed a couple of times by the same fly but I think I got it last night. I hope so, it's really been doing my head in. The alarm went off and I snoozed once and twice and then dragged myself out of bed. The boys greeted me exiting Julian with their usual cacophony of barking but I ignored them, put the kettle on, and went onto the balcony to snap the stunning morning sky that I just can't believe how varied it is.

"Stay away from me!"

I did the now standard of carrying a bottle of water to refill their water when I collected the food bowls (and today I found an empty water bowl so that was a good idea) and they behaved in much the normal way, with Ralf bouncing and barking and Rambo barking and bouncing and me saying "no!" and walking and hoping they'll shut up. What fun. It is so like a speed eating competition when they start (I'll maybe try and get a video of this some time soon, though I don't have enough hands) and then Ralf did his hoover impression before I grabbed him and held him while Rambo finished.

I went and did the watering, with stupidly low pressure on the free water meaning I could only do half the entrance flower bed, and it took AGES to fill the watering cans, and then when I walked back over towards their enclosure before heading up to the top field I remembered about the hare so I put Rambo in, then had to trick Ralf to come near enough for me to grab him and put him inside. My back has been bad since I was chasing them around yesterday and I had no desire to repeat the experience. I walked up to do the Zinnias and Magnolias and there was no sign of hare so I let the boys out again when I went down to do the silver birches and I went back across the front lawn to water the rose bush and the flowers that the weak hose couldn't get to. As per usual Rambo bounced everywhere and was so close to standing on my flowers. I really need to sort that out. More on that later though.

Flames behind a beer bottle

The water was on, if a little low pressure, first thing and I really rushed around the watering so I could get a shower and it stayed on long enough for my first shower for days. What a great pleasure and I scrubbed as much as I could and felt great. I then went back to Room 13, finished my brew, went to leave, realised it was a bit early so I grabbed the burning items and took them out the back. Ralf this time was very careful and didn't rush when I opened the back door, and even needed encouraging to come forwards and risk bouncing off the fly screen again. The fire lit well and it went down behind one of the beer bottles and I loved the backlight so I snapped some pictures.

Look at our shiny new road

After the fire was going I left it and then it was about time to leave so the boys were put away and I left to a chorus of barks and howls. My plans were complicated this morning by plans that Bekir had to do some paperwork but I had forgotten my kindle so I left Thomas running by the front gate and legged it get the kindle; they greeting this as well with barks but quieted as I returned to Thomas. Poor lads, I don't like having to lock them away but they can both still get out if I'm not there and they probably would. The new road is now "sverchi" (complete) from top to bottom and it is so nice to have a smooth road.

Hazy hills across the valley

As I came round the bottom corner on my road the view across the view was just amazing. It was hazy and the hills were just peeking through, with the river glinting beautifully in the morning sun, and I stopped and stood up on the running board to snap a series of pictures. I wished I'd picked up my filters but never mind. Despite these delays and pauses I still reached the village well on time and then we were off to get Bekir to his paperwork while I went to bank machine after bank machine to find one that could give me money so I could settle for the wood (and the men last week). Fortunately I found one so I paid the men the balance, then we made our way to the wood yard and waited about 20 minutes for the owner to arrive and then we were back home.

The first retaining wall goes in

The first thing the men got started on was building a frame just by the entrance, where they have cleared yesterday and found Shiva. I went and watched for a bit and really enjoyed them working. They are incredible and are brilliant at using the bits and pieces they have laying around. I was making myself breakfast after this which was the lovely fresh bread with bacon and eggs and it was stunning. I was then almost straight out to town to visit the bank to get a chunk of cash and also to go past Lidl. A lot of people are aware of the problems that the Bulgarian banking system is experiencing at the moment and I was not sure if I would encounter queues however my standard excellent service was what greeted me and I was pointed to an English speaking teller who answered my questions, and approved a 10k lev withdrawal on the same day though it was against their normal operating procedures. I think this may be evidence of nerves about "not being able to satisfy withdrawals" as they shut early on Friday when they ran out of cash. No matter, I had the notes that I needed and I always am amused by walking through town with a large wodge of cash that isn't obvious.

Shiva on a stick

When I got back it was nearly lunch time but I had a brew and was amused to see that Shiva has made him (her?) self very comfortable already and was exploring the enclosure. This week I'll be building their external home and setting them free which I am looking forward to, but it is lovely to be able to watch them explore and interact.

Enjoying the sun terrace

I wasn't that hungry yet but didn't want to miss out on the sun so I took my stuff upstairs to what will be the roof terrace and read my book for half an hour. I was glad of the sun hat because it was very hot up there, even with a nice breeze coming in from the gathering clouds.

Ralf checking out the view

Ralf was left downstairs but he managed to open the door to the roof and appeared half way through my relax. He was happy to sit next to me for a bit but then heard the sounds of the men on lunch distracted him and he went a few times to look over the edge. I was firm dragging him away but the last time I decided to snap a picture and hope he didn't jump. I got the picture, and he didn't jump, and then I went downstairs to get a butty as I was feeling a little hungry.

Invasive water stealing plant

After eating I went down to do a second water of the potted plants and Ralf went to harass the men for food as per usual. I noticed while I was going round that the tomato plant that hasn't grown as well as the others had a large flower blooming at its base. I pulled Bekir over and he said very firmly to get rid as it was taking all the water and would be stunting the growth. I grabbed the camera, snapped a few pictures, and then pulled it out as best I could. Anyone know what this could be?

Working out how to build the outriggers

The men carried a couple of beams of wood up onto the roof after this and then sat and discussed their strategy for the roof. I made it clear to Bekir that I want the roof terrace and that Lubo would need to draw it onto the plans and he was amused but happy.

Super relaxed doggy

Ralf had come up with me, as usual, and as I wandered around, walking over again to the end which will be the terrace eventually, he lay himself down and stretched out in the sun, relaxing and stretching and soaking up the rays. The men totally love Ralf and play with him and tease him all the time; indeed Sally almost lost his fingers at lunch by holding some bread just out of what he thought was Ralf's reach, and when Ralf jumped to get it his fingers were also in range.

Now complete and plastic lines

I had a great view of the completed wet storage chamber by the entrance that they had been working on; the plastic sheet had been removed from the temporary window I had built over the bedroom, the one I had been scared would blow onto me in that huge storm a few weeks back now. They don't like waste, these boys.

Bekir up on the scaffold

Shortly after this they came back down and set to on the bedroom again, taking it in turns to go onto the scaffold to remove the loose plaster from on the ceiling, and to scrape and finish the walls. We had bought more expanding foam this morning and that had already been squirted into the requisite gaps so they also spent some time trimming the overflow down.

Hopefully this will protect them

I mentioned earlier about Rambo (and to a lesser extent, Ralf) running through my flowers and knocking heads off. I have plenty of ideas how to stop them but all of them required me to buy stuff but at lunch time today I had a super idea; why not put old chairs over each plant, sinking the legs into the soil so they can't be knocked over. I went to the pile in the workshop that T had brought down and managed to find enough chairs to cover all the Fuschias and the Marigolds. I will find out tomorrow just how effective they are when the boys follow me back and do their usual galumph over the border.

A big lorry arrives

I spent a lot of today waiting for work from my job and at the end of the day I did actually receive some which is great; I have a load to get stuck into again. While I was waiting I spent half an hour sat on the sofa at first trying to read then, when Ralf came and sat on my lap, pulling loads of burs out of his fur as he was actually letting me do it this time. Or he was until he suddenly got annoyed and ran away. I returned to check my emails and then heard a loud honking and there was a cement mixing driving up the lane. I dashed outside, put the boys away, and then watched as it reversed up and nudged towards the storage area. I guided the driver and he jumped out and said "thank you" and had a little english, which was nice.

Is that all your hose produces?

It was a delivery of liquid lime and it took a fair while to slowly be emptied out of the lorry into the collection point. Bekir got the hose and was very amused at just how little water was coming out of the free supply but it needs the water else it'll go off and be wasted.

May as well just watch

Eventually he wedged it in a corner and sat on the edge of the table tennis table and waited for the delivery to complete. It came out in fits and starts and took a fair amount of time as I say but after a while Bekir was at the chute with a spade getting the last of the material and then the chap packed away and drove off, tooting again to say goodbye. What a pleasant chap.

Skakalets

While we were standing around watching all this occur I noticed a huge grasshopper on the swinging chair and took a fair number of pictures of it, much to the amusement of the driver. He told me it was a Skakalets and later when I checked it out that means Locust. It was a lone one but I have see a fair few of these about; hopefully there isn't going to be a plague of them any time soon.

Sally starting to use the lime

As soon as the lorry had gone Sally was in there with a couple of buckets and taking them full of plaster up to the wheelbarrow on the landing. They were going to start the plastering in the bedroom. It took a few loads and I went and did a bit of work while this was going on and I was beginning to feel hungry after my very light lunch.

The door is plastered in

When I heard Sally come up and wheel the barrow through to the living room I followed and was intrigued by their technique of flipping the trowel and throwing the plaster onto the wall, then quickly going over to do a first smooth and remove any excess. I watched for a bit, went back to Room 13, and then it was time for the men to go and I was actually happy because I was now starting to get quite hungry.

The trip back was easy and I got home and immediately started cooking my favourite pork pasta dish. I started the blog while it was cooking, then paused to eat and after that I got really tired and slowed right down. This is not going to be one of my fast blogs at all. Anyway, on some sensible advice I went up onto the roof for some air and watched the kids playing football in the field. As I had driven up coming back from dropping the men off they had been on the road (not a cheren put any more) and had all shouted and waved at me saying "hello!"; it feels good to be welcomed like that.

Anyway, I've had enough of typing now. Speak to you tomorrow I'm sure.